‘SANDBOX’ reopenings of key destinations in Thailand is contributing to a recovery in the kingdom’s economy as the business events industry looks forward to 23 international exhibitions in the pipeline for 2022.
Statistics from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) show that the Thai economy in the first half of 2021 expanded by 2 per cent, and is expected to grow in the range of 0.7–1.2 per cent this year.
The NESDC said growth was due to export growth returning, investment and the successful reopenings in the form of the Phuket Sandbox model, Samui Plus, the 7+7 Extension programs and planned re-opening in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya in October.
Phuket and Samui’s reopenings saw 27,318 vaccinated and Covid-cleared overseas travellers arriving who helped generate US$55.7 million in revenue.
Nichapa Yoswee, senior vice president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said despite the challenges of the global pandemic, TCEB has been tapping into global opportunities and targeting big international while encouraging Thai exhibitions onto global arena.
On top of the 23 international exhibitions that are in the 2022 pipeline, TCEB has co-created a world expo in Phuket, A1 horticulture expo, and banking and finance events.
TCEB also co-started the Asia Convention Alliance to create a regional conference rotation calendar in the region.
More… Thailand looks to Festival Economy for regional revival
Thai exhibition organisers are being advised to work with the CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) markets while building international partnerships.
Mark Cochrane, UFI Asia Pacific director, and Bjoern Kempe, CEO and founder of Expos Asia were cited in the report as sharing an optimistic view of Thailand succeeding as a leading player in Asia’s post-Covid exhibitions industry. .
With flights once again operating in the United States and Europe, especially Germany, TCEB says the prospects for in-person trade exhibitions are looking stronger with digital events paying a larger role.
